Wellington says Bleijie has failed his duty

NICKLIN MP Peter Wellington, a former solicitor, has slammed Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie for putting party politics ahead of the duties of his office.

Mr Wellington, who spoke in support of the Opposition motion of no confidence in Mr Bleijie yesterday, said he had an obligation as the state's chief law officer to protect the rights and freedoms of all Queenslanders.

He said instead Mr Bleijie had introduced legislation that attacked freedom of association and the rights of magistrates and judges, bringing into question the fundamental concept of separation of power between the judiciary and the parliament.

"Anyone who criticises is branded a supporter of pedophiles and criminals,'' Mr Wellington said.

"In Opposition Mr Bleijie spoke about protecting the rights of Queenslanders. Now he is Attorney-General he is running a political agenda. There has to be a middle road.

"I hold him personally responsible for destroying equality before the law and the right to be innocent until proven guilty.

"And for these two crimes alone, I believe he is not fit for the office he holds.